MovieMeditation - It's over now; it's finally over. At last you may know peace.
gbgoodies -
Dr. No's a far cry from my favorite Bond film as well. My opinion of it pretty much lines up with yours.
Red State -
6/10
I was hoping that this would improve on the rewatch, but it didn't. It honestly feels like two unfinished movies: one where a deranged, radical Christian sect kills so-called sinners and one where the same sect faces off against the ATF. Neither half really had the chance to shine, which was further complicated by the fact that it ends so absurdly and abruptly. The acting ranges from average (most of the cast) to fantastic (Michael Parks) and the scenes with the pastor preaching Armageddon and him and his daughter in the shootout together are actually really memorable. It just strikes me as such a wasted opportunity for a dark, horrific satire.
Dawn of the Dead (1978) -
8/10
This movie, however, does improve on the rewatch (even four or five rewatches). The significantly broadened scope from
Night of the Living Dead really adds to the satirical elements of the series and the writing and direction have both dramatically improved since its predecessor. In particular, the character of Francine is everything that Barbara wasn't: intelligent, active and defined as more than simply being "a member of the fairer sex." I still find the climax to be sillier than it should have (the pies in the face really didn't do it for me) and the Mall music to be obnoxious. Still, it is an excellent sequel to the first film that, while not superior to it, was remarkably better produced than it.